Cesare Prandelli maintains “everyone loses” with the GenoaMilan kick-off shift and warns “the first 15 minutes are going to be the most difficult.”

It kicks off on Monday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.

The tie was originally set to kick off in the evening, but was moved earlier amid security fears, a decision that has prompted Genoa ultras to boycott it in protest.

Cesare Prandelli maintains “everyone loses” with the Genoa-Milan kick-off shift and warns “the first 15 minutes are going to be the most difficult.”

It kicks off on Monday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.

The tie was originally set to kick off in the evening, but was moved earlier amid security fears, a decision that has prompted Genoa ultras to boycott it in protest.

“This is the wrong decision to move the game and I think everyone loses in this situation,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“There was no respect for the 18,000 Genoa season ticket holders, for the schools in this area, the shops, the people who work in the city. I am worried at the prospect of walking out into an empty stadium, of feeling like strangers in our own home.”

The match is on a Monday because Milan are fresh from Wednesday’s 1-0 Supercoppa defeat to Juventus in Jeddah.

“The Rossoneri have a strong squad who have the duty to represent a prestigious club. I expect to see them fired up and eager to pick up the points.

“The first 15 minutes are going to be the most difficult, as we haven’t played a competitive game in three weeks, whereas Milan played the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa.

“It’ll be tough, but I expect courage, exuberance and determination from my men. I am curious to see how it goes, because the lads worked so well in training.”

The elephant in the room – or rather in the stands – is Krzysztof Piatek, as he is in advanced negotiations for a €35m plus bonuses move to Milan.

Facing his future teammates won’t be an issue on Monday, as the hitman is suspended.

“I am accustomed to talking only about things that are real and concrete. If it becomes official, then I’ll talk about it, but now we have to focus on the game.

“I will say that I spoke to Ervin Zukanovic, he is motivated and we decided to keep him. He can be useful covering different roles. Sandro and Oscar Hiljemark are out injured.

“Christian Kouame has extraordinary quality, but I think even he doesn’t know what path he’ll take to become a great player. I don’t believe playing as a centre-forward or as a support striker makes a big difference for him.”

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